If you're in the market for a chain hoist but want to save some money, buying a used one can be a good option. However, it's important to be cautious when purchasing used equipment, as you want to ensure that the hoist is in good working condition and will meet your needs. In this post, we'll provide some tips on what to look for and what to watch out for when buying a used chain hoist.
Things to Watch Out For
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Rust or Corrosion: Check the hoist for rust or corrosion, as these can indicate that the hoist has been exposed to moisture or has not been well-maintained. Hoists are heavy and compact, so scratches and scrapes are common even on brand-new equipment. Cracks, excessive rust, broken wires and missing components, however, can amount to evidence that the equipment you are looking to purchase has been mistreated or neglected.
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Wear and Tear: Look for signs of wear and tear on the hoist's chains, hooks, and other parts. Over time, these components can become worn and may need to be replaced, which can be expensive.
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Overuse or Misuse: If possible, try to get a sense of how much the hoist has been used and whether it has been used properly. Overuse or misuse can lead to premature wear and tear and can affect the hoist's performance. Hoists that have a known history of use in foundries, mines, or any environment in which exposure to excessive amounts of moisture, heat, or dust are present may require additional reconditioning.
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Damaged or Missing Parts: Check the hoist for any damaged or missing parts, such as broken chains, damaged hooks, or missing safety features. These can be costly to repair or replace and can affect the hoist's safety and performance. Any hoist that has had safety features disabled or bypassed, or has had parts removed for whatever reason may require additional repairs and reconditioning before it is placed in service.
Tips for Buying Good Equipment
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Research the Brand and Model: Make sure to stick with trusted brand names that have been around for a long time, such as Coffing, CM, Budgit, and Harrington. These companies have dealer networks that make finding parts and service a breeze. The chain hoist market is full of foreign-made products that, while they will probably lift the loads they claim to be able to, are not designed with longevity and serviceability in mind.
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Demand a thorough inspection: Never buy a hoist that has not been inspected by a qualified professional. A reputable company like MTC Crane will be able to determine through a thorough inspection whether or not a used chain hoist is fit for continued service.
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Test the Hoist: Make sure the hoist you are looking to purchase has been tested thoroughly, and that the chains, hooks, brakes, controls, and safety devices are all in perfect working order. Do not compromise the health and safety of yourself or your employees by purchasing equipment that is not operating to the highest possible safety standards.
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Check the Maintenance History: Ask the seller for a detailed maintenance history of the hoist, including any repairs or maintenance that has been performed. If such a history is not available, have the hoist reconditioned by a trusted and reliable lifting equipment service company, like MTC Crane.
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Ask for a Warranty: Buying a used hoist should not be a gamble. A good used equipment dealer will have tested and inspected the equipment they sell, and should be willing to warranty those products. If you are buying a hoist from a company that isn't willing to stand behind their products with a warranty, take that as a red flag that the company does not believe in the products they sell.
Conversely, ignore everything you just read. Let MTC Crane do all of this work for you. Our experts inspect every piece of gear that comes through to standards that exceed those set by OSHA, CMAA, and every other authoritative body. When you buy from MTC Crane, you're buying equipment that performs as though it was new or better than new, guaranteed. That's how we're able to provide an industry-exclusive 1 year warranty on every piece of equipment we sell.
